Do you remember that stretch of 10 days, about 3 years ago in September 2004, when Athens was electric with the excitement and athleticism of the Paralympic Games? These three years have zoomed by, and we again find ourselves a little over a year out from the Beijing Paralympics. It's amazing how much life has passed before our eyes over these last three years, how much we've all changed, and how much potential lies within the next 12 months.

In late 2006, I was coming into the final stretch of medical school. When considering the options lay before me for the next several years, one question remained at the forefront of my mind: did I want to compete again? I reflected upon what competition brought to my life and what giving it another go would mean. Could I afford to live as a professional athlete? Did I want to travel again and possibly re-instate some drama into my comfortable life in Palo Alto? Could my body do it? And, most importantly, what did I want my life to be? Did I want my late 20’s to be symbolized by athleticism and adventure, or, was I ready to be a spectator?

Slowly, things began to happen, leading both my heart and mind to understand that I was again craving competition. I was approached by an outstanding company called Nike *smile* with a new sponsorship opportunity. I started getting in my chair and training again. After a few initial aches and pains, I again began to feel the energy and zest that comes with pushing one’s body into an elevated level of fitness. After getting back in touch, my coach, Mike, signed back onto the team. My friends and family all commented about the sparkle I got in my eye when I talked about competing.

At this point, please remember that I was born and raised in Iowa. Have you ever seen the movie “Field of Dreams” or read the book “Shoeless Joe?” When a mysterious voice tells you to do something, you’d better do it. “Go the Distance.” Otherwise Shoeless Joe may never show up in your corn field.

With that, we come to the present day of August 26, 2007. I’m sitting at my kitchen table, digesting breakfast, getting ready to go out on my morning training run. The New York City Marathon looms only two months from now, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s time to get up, get in shape, book some flights, and go.